Fishery guide · Worcestershire
Top Barn Fishery
Top Barn Fishery has two day-ticket pools near Worcester: specimen carp on Woodside Pool and mixed coarse or match fishing on larger Grebe Pool. Day tickets are £6.50 for one rod or £12 for two, with fishing available all year.
“8.1/10 — Two pools cover focused specimen carp and varied coarse fishing, with a useful spread of species.”
Tackle Index scorecard
Free — we'll tell you when rules, prices or notices change here.
The lowdown
Top Barn Fishery is at Top Barn Farm, Holt Heath, near Worcester, and it’s got two pools offering two pretty different days on the bank. Woodside Pool is the one for carp anglers after a proper lump, while Grebe Pool gives you a broader coarse-fishing session with plenty of species to keep things interesting. Nice and simple, really.
- 2 lakes: Woodside Pool, Grebe Pool
- Fish: carp, bream, roach, tench, rudd, perch, chub
- Tickets from: Day ticket — one rod — £6.50
- Find it: Worcester · WR6 6NH
Plan your session
Fishery map of Top Barn Fishery
Pick a pin or venue to see live bank-side conditions.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Top Barn Fishery
We haven’t got permission to show venue photos here yet. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Top Barn Fishery
Top Barn Fishery is at Top Barn Farm, Holt Heath, near Worcester, and it’s got two pools offering two pretty different days on the bank. Woodside Pool is the one for carp anglers after a proper lump, while Grebe Pool gives you a broader coarse-fishing session with plenty of species to keep things interesting. Nice and simple, really.
Woodside Pool is the specimen carp water, with 20 pegs and carp to approximately 28lb. It’s open for daytime fishing all year, so there’s scope for a proper carp session whenever the conditions look promising. Night fishing isn’t permitted, though, so this is strictly a day-ticket approach. Take your time looking at the water when you arrive, and ask the bailiff about recent form, features and the best way to get a bait working.
Grebe Pool is the larger coarse and match pool, with 58 pegs and several accessible pegs. It holds carp to approximately 15lb, bream to approximately 8lb, plus roach, tench, rudd, perch and chub. That mixed stock means you can keep things flexible. Start with the sort of tackle and bait you’re confident with, watch what’s happening in the swim, and adjust rather than chucking the kitchen sink at it.
The tree-covered peninsula is a useful feature on Grebe Pool and worth considering when you’re weighing up where to fish. It’s also the pool where contest or match restrictions may apply, so check the notice boards before choosing a peg. If you’re heading over with a club, Grebe Pool may be bookable for matches subject to arrangements. For an ordinary day ticket, there’s no booking system.
Day tickets are paid on the bank while fishing. It’s £6.50 for one rod or £12 for two rods, and exact change is requested. Annual tickets cost £70 for one rod or £120 for two rods. Day fishing is available all year round, with published opening hours of 06:30 to 19:00. Follow the orange signs from the main Top Barn Farm entrance, and take a bit of time to get your kit sorted before picking a swim.
The practical side is bob on, with free parking, roadside parking by some pegs, accessible pegs and disabled parking. The on-site farm shop and Hilltop Cafe provide refreshments and toilets, too. Bring an unhooking mat or carp cradle, a landing net, a rod rest and a seat with anti-slip feet, as these are required per peg. Only barbless hooks are allowed, catch and release is mandatory, and no keepnets are permitted. Check the full rules before fishing, keep things tidy, and you’re set for a proper day out.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Top Barn Fishery FAQs
Do I need to book a normal day ticket?
No booking system is provided for ordinary day tickets. Pay on the bank while fishing, with exact change requested.
What are the opening hours?
Published daily opening hours are 06:30 to 19:00, with day fishing available all year round.
Where do I go when I arrive?
Follow the orange signs from the main Top Barn Farm entrance.
Are refreshments and toilets available?
Yes. The on-site farm shop and Hilltop Cafe provide refreshments and toilets.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
There's on-site farm shop on site, so you can grab bits on the day. For anything bigger, stock up before you leave home — or order online in advance.
Do I need to bring food?
There's hilltop cafe listed, but opening times vary, so pack snacks and plenty of water just in case — especially on a long session.
Are there toilets on site?
Yes — the fishery lists toilets.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — free parking. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
WR6 6NH.
How much is a ticket?
Day ticket — one rod: £6.50; Day ticket — two rods: £12; Annual ticket — one rod: £70; Annual ticket — two rods: £120. Prices last checked 2026-10-10 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on Woodside Pool, Grebe Pool. Busy weekends can fill up, so ring ahead if you've got your heart set on a swim.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find carp, bream, roach, tench, rudd, perch, chub. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
2 — Woodside Pool (Not published), Grebe Pool (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
No — Night fishing is not permitted on either pool.
Can I bring my dog?
No — All are prohibited.
Are bait boats allowed?
It depends — Only at the bailiff's discretion.
Do I need barbless hooks?
Yes, it's required — Only barbless hooks may be used.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
Yes, it's required — One is required per peg, along with a landing net.
Is it suitable for disabled anglers?
The fishery lists accessible pegs and disabled parking. Ring ahead to check which swims suit you.
Do I need a rod licence?
Yes — anyone 13 or over fishing in England and Wales needs an Environment Agency rod licence (or Natural Resources Wales in Wales), on top of your fishery ticket.
When's the best time of year to fish here?
Late spring through autumn is prime for most species. Check our live weather edge for this venue before you go — it updates daily.
Anglers' photos
Been to Top Barn Fishery? Share a snap
No angler photos yet. Be the first!
Day ticket · turn up
Woodside Pool: the specimen carp pool, with 20 pegs and carp to approximately 28lb.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Woodside Pool is the one for a focused carp session, with 20 pegs and fish to approximately 28lb. It’s open for daytime fishing all year round.
There’s no night fishing, so this is a daylight-only mission. Keep the kit sensible and make sure your unhooking gear is ready before you start.
Carp to approximately 28lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Woodside Pool
Top Barn Fishery
Woodside Pool
We’re checking the fishery’s Woodside Pool pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers after a specimen carp session
- Daytime carp anglers who prefer a smaller, focused pool
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting mixed coarse species or an overnight session
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Woodside Pool
carp
A bigger bed of bait at range
On wide, open water the fish move about a lot — a decent bed of bait at range holds a passing group long enough to get a bite.
- Find a clean, hard spot with a marker float and clip up so every cast lands on it.
- Spread the bait with a spod or throwing stick — little and often.
- Mix boilies, pellet and particles so there's always something left for the fish to graze.
- Match the hookbait to the freebies.
carp
Zigs in the warmer months
In clear, deep water carp often sit up in the layers on warm days. A zig is the only way to get a bait in front of them.
- Start at half depth and move up or down a foot at a time until you get bites.
- Black or foam hookbaits work well on bright days.
- Keep it simple — no freebies needed.
Woodside Pool FAQs
How many pegs are on Woodside Pool?
Woodside Pool has 20 pegs.
How big are the carp?
The fishery states that Woodside Pool holds carp to approximately 28lb.
What's the lake record on Woodside Pool?
Going by what the fishery says: Carp to approximately 28lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Woodside Pool?
carp. Carp to approximately 28lb.
How big is Woodside Pool and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The specimen carp pool, with 20 pegs and carp to approximately 28lb..
Which baits work well on Woodside Pool?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Woodside Pool further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: with the fish the fishery lists here, a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Woodside Pool get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Woodside Pool?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Top Barn Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Woodside Pool?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Woodside Pool on a day ticket?
Yes — Woodside Pool is on the day ticket. Tickets: Day ticket — one rod £6.50; Day ticket — two rods £12; Annual ticket — one rod £70; Annual ticket — two rods £120 (last checked 2026-10-10).
Is night fishing allowed on Woodside Pool?
No — Night fishing is not permitted on either pool.
Who does Woodside Pool suit?
Good for: Anglers after a specimen carp session; Daytime carp anglers who prefer a smaller, focused pool. Less suited to: Anglers wanting mixed coarse species or an overnight session.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Day ticket · turn up
Grebe Pool: the larger coarse and match pool, with 58 pegs and a broad mix of species.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, bream, roach, tench, rudd, perch, chub
Grebe Pool is the bigger water, with 58 pegs and several accessible pegs. It holds carp to approximately 15lb, bream to approximately 8lb, plus roach, tench, rudd, perch and chub.
There’s a tree-covered peninsula to fish around, but check the notice boards before you get comfortable, as contest or match restrictions may apply. The maximum hook size is 8 and maximum line strength is 12lb.
Carp to approximately 15lb and bream to approximately 8lb, plus roach, tench, rudd, perch and chub.
Lake photographs
A look around Grebe Pool
Top Barn Fishery
Grebe Pool
We’re checking the fishery’s Grebe Pool pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Mixed coarse anglers wanting plenty of species options
- Anglers looking for accessible pegs or a larger match-style pool
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting unrestricted fishing without checking match notices
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Grebe Pool
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
tench
Method or maggot feeder for tench
Tench love margins and weedy patches. A feeder puts a small, tight patch of bait right by the hookbait.
- Fish 10–20 yards out, or tight to the cover where it's safe to land fish.
- Recast every 10–15 minutes early on to build the swim.
- Short hooklink with a dead red maggot, corn or a 8mm wafter.
Grebe Pool FAQs
What species are in Grebe Pool?
Carp, bream, roach, tench, rudd, perch and chub.
Are there any tackle limits?
Yes. Grebe Pool has a maximum hook size of 8 and maximum line strength of 12lb.
What's the lake record on Grebe Pool?
Going by what the fishery says: Carp to approximately 15lb and bream to approximately 8lb, plus roach, tench, rudd, perch and chub. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Grebe Pool?
carp, bream, roach, tench, rudd, perch, chub. Carp to approximately 15lb and bream to approximately 8lb, plus roach, tench, rudd, perch and chub.
How big is Grebe Pool and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The larger coarse and match pool, with 58 pegs and a broad mix of species..
Which baits work well on Grebe Pool?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Grebe Pool further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: with the fish the fishery lists here, a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Grebe Pool get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Grebe Pool?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Top Barn Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Grebe Pool?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Grebe Pool on a day ticket?
Yes — Grebe Pool is on the day ticket. Tickets: Day ticket — one rod £6.50; Day ticket — two rods £12; Annual ticket — one rod £70; Annual ticket — two rods £120 (last checked 2026-10-10).
Is night fishing allowed on Grebe Pool?
No — Night fishing is not permitted on either pool.
Who does Grebe Pool suit?
Good for: Mixed coarse anglers wanting plenty of species options; Anglers looking for accessible pegs or a larger match-style pool. Less suited to: Anyone wanting unrestricted fishing without checking match notices.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Venue Rule Checker
- Must
Is catch and release required?
Catch and release is mandatory.
- No
Is night fishing allowed?
Night fishing is not permitted on either pool.
- Must
Are barbless hooks required?
Only barbless hooks may be used.
- No
Are keepnets allowed?
No keepnets are allowed.
- Must
Is an unhooking mat or carp cradle required?
One is required per peg, along with a landing net.
- Only if
Can bait boats be used?
Only at the bailiff's discretion.
- No
Are floating bait, bread, dog food or cat food allowed?
All are prohibited.
- Must
Can children fish alone?
Children under 16 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 10 October 2026. Rules change — always check with the fishery before you go.
Rules and prices change through the season. Follow and we'll flag changes the fishery or other anglers report.
Tips & guides worth reading
How we'd fish each lake
Our own suggestions, worked out from each lake's features, its main fish and the venue rules. They're tried-and-tested methods, not reports from this venue, so watch the water and ask in the tackle shop on the day.
Woodside Pool
carp
A bigger bed of bait at range
On wide, open water the fish move about a lot — a decent bed of bait at range holds a passing group long enough to get a bite.
- Find a clean, hard spot with a marker float and clip up so every cast lands on it.
- Spread the bait with a spod or throwing stick — little and often.
- Mix boilies, pellet and particles so there's always something left for the fish to graze.
- Match the hookbait to the freebies.
carp
Zigs in the warmer months
In clear, deep water carp often sit up in the layers on warm days. A zig is the only way to get a bait in front of them.
- Start at half depth and move up or down a foot at a time until you get bites.
- Black or foam hookbaits work well on bright days.
- Keep it simple — no freebies needed.
Grebe Pool
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
tench
Method or maggot feeder for tench
Tench love margins and weedy patches. A feeder puts a small, tight patch of bait right by the hookbait.
- Fish 10–20 yards out, or tight to the cover where it's safe to land fish.
- Recast every 10–15 minutes early on to build the swim.
- Short hooklink with a dead red maggot, corn or a 8mm wafter.
Good background reading. Most of it is a few years old, so treat it as a starting point and ask on the day.
Videos linked by the fishery
What anglers reckon
8.1/10 from Tackle Index: Two pools cover focused specimen carp and varied coarse fishing, with a useful spread of species.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Top Barn Fishery has two day-ticket pools near Worcester: specimen carp on Woodside Pool and mixed coarse or match fishing on larger Grebe Pool. Day tickets are £6.50 for one rod or £12 for two, with fishing available all year.”
This is our own summary of recurring public feedback and the venue details we checked, not a copied customer review or a promise you’ll catch. Feedback changes, so we keep it separate from the Tackle Index score.
Angler score
What our readers rate Top Barn Fishery
No angler score yet — nobody's reviewed Top Barn Fishery here. Be the first and get the score started.